Ginger lily (Hedychium gardnerianum)
Ginger lily is native to the Himalayas. It is now
naturalised in bushland areas on the east coast. Ginger lily is also
very poisonous to grazing animals, and can be fatal if enough of the plant is
ingested.
Ginger lily grows to 2m tall, with
long strap like leaves and large spikes of perfumed flowers. This plant forms clumps with deep matted roots.
It is found in moist places. Flowers are bright yellow, fragrant and appear
in summer to autumn. It grows most abundantly in open, light-filled habitats,
but can grow into deep shade. It forms vast, dense, colonies that smother and
displace native groundcover vegetation.
Dispersal:
Clumps
spread rapidly from underground rhizomes. The seeds are readily dispersed by
birds and other animals that are attracted to their bright colours.
Removal:
Plants
can be dug up or pulled out depending on size, but the entire plant, including
pieces of rhizome, needs to be removed to avoid regrowth. Seeds and rhizomes should be placed in the red
bin. (Update, now that Wollongong Council has FOGO, seeds and rhizomes can be placed in the green FOGO bin.) Leaves and stems can be put in the green bin.
